Commissioners approve Shrader family transfer with conditions after planning concerns about access and prior exemption use

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners approved a family transfer request from Melody and Steve Shrader to gift two parcels, each intended for one of their sons, with conditions addressing access and easements.

Planning staff presented findings that the parcel originated as a family transfer exemption in 2000 and later had a boundary line adjustment; staff noted that while the request does not violate state law, it differs from past commission practice because exemptions bypass full subdivision review for access, fire protection and public‑health safeguards. The planner said the request raised concerns that continued use of exemptions could evade public‑safety review typically associated with subdivisions.

The applicants described the property as about 15 acres and said they intended to split it into three five‑acre parcels to give two to their sons. Surveyor Byron Sanders and the applicants explained access would be from Iron Creek Road via an existing shared driveway and that the proposed internal route would also provide a fire break. Commissioner discussion focused on confirming access and placing conditions to mitigate fire and access concerns. The motion to grant the family transfer with specified conditions (easements, access requirements and a hold on future sales) carried unanimously.